By Danhassan Abubakar
Following sustained advocacy campaign to key stakeholders in the healthcare sector in Bauchi State by the Bauchi Field Office of UNICEF Nigeria to promote Exclusive Breastfeeding of babies, the Bauchi State Executive Council (SEC) on Monday has approved six months of maternity leave for nursing mothers across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the state’s civil service.
The Council also endorsed the establishment of crèche facilities in workplaces to enable working mothers to keep their babies close while performing official duties.
Announcing the development after the Council meeting, the Head of Civil Service, Barr. Mohammed Sani Umar, said the decision extends the current maternity leave period from four to six months, adding that the policy will soon be backed by legislation from the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
He explained that nursing mothers will now be entitled to six months’ leave from the date of delivery, and upon resumption, they will also enjoy flexible working hours to promote work–life balance and child care.
“This approval is in line with the provisions of the Civil Service Regulations under Sections 1122 and 1126. An establishment circular will be issued to formalize the implementation across the state,” Barr. Umar said.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has been directed to work with relevant agencies to ensure that conducive workplace environments are created for lactating mothers, which may include functional crèches and other support facilities.
Sources say the new policy follows years of sustained advocacy led by UNICEF Bauchi Field Office and some local and international civil society organizations (CSOs) calling for family-friendly reforms within the Bauchi State Civil Service.
Observers have hailed the move as a progressive and people-centered policy, expected to improve maternal health, strengthen early child development, and enhance workforce productivity among women in the public sector.